Merrie Monarch Festival Continues With Kahiko Competition

On Friday the 13th, the Merrie Monarch Festival continues with the group Kahiko Competition with Wahine (women), and Kane (men) halau.

Kahiko meaning “ancient style,” dictates that the night’s hula Kahiko performances remain in strict adherence to tradition. The competition of segregated men and women halau will take place from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., at the Edith Kanaka’ole Tennis Stadium.

The Kahiko style of hula is dance that was performed pre-Western contact, or influence, in Hawai’i. The movements are intricate and diverse in meaning. Nature, praise of the gods, chiefs and fertility are common elements utilized in the meles, or songs.

This year 23 halau will compete; three halau made the trek from the mainland. Two halau are from California and one is from Nevada. The remaining 20 halau hail from Maui, Kaua’i and O’ahu, with most of the halau coming from O’ahu. Though the Merrie Monarch Festival is a fixture here on the Big Island, there is no halau to represent Hawai’i Island this year.

The competition will be televised on KFVE, live from 6 p.m. The Edith Kanaka’ole Tennis Stadium is located at 350 Kalaniakoa Street in Hilo.

Come pick up your rusty metal folding chair any Sunday now through March 31st at the church & let your creative side run wild. The object is to decorate the chair any way you want & the only rule is that it must fold open & close. All chairs must be turned in on April 6 where they will be on display until April 20. You can name your price & sell your chair but a percentage of your proceeds are asked to be donated to the church. Have fun!